What is a penalty shot?

A penalty shot is designed to restore a scoring opportunity that was lost because of an infraction by the offending team.

• The Referee announces the shooter over the public address system, then places the puck on the centre face-off spot.
• On the Referee's whistle, the shooter plays the puck from there and tries to score on the goalkeeper.
• The puck must be kept moving towards the opponent's goal line. Once it is shot, the play is complete.
• No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind. The one exception is a puck that hits the post or crossbar, then the goalkeeper, then goes directly into the goal.
• The shot is complete any time the puck crosses the goal line or comes to a complete stop.
• The lacrosse-like move, where the puck is picked up on the stick blade and whipped into the net, is allowed as long as the puck is not raised above shoulder height at any time and, when released, is not carried higher than the crossbar.

Source: NHL Official Rules 2026-2027, Rule 24.